Girls Guide to Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark was originally put on my radar by my college friend who was a world traveler. We had traveled many places together so she had a very good idea of what I loved in a place. When she went to Copenhagen she told me I had to go because I would absolutely love it, and she was so right! After two visits to Copenhagen, Denmark I can genuinely say I would live here. I am very passionate about this city and would recommend it to everyone. I think we should all take notes from Copenhagen and create a greener environment in our American cities.
Copenhagen is widely recognized as a leader in the global green economy. Copenhagen has amazing air quality from choosing bikes over cars, prides itself in sustainable fashion, and here organic cuisine is the logical choice, not a luxury. Copenhagen is also one of the happiest places in the world, second to Helsinki, Finland. Copenhagen also has one of the shortest working weeks in the world at 33 hours a week, free health care and education systems. There’s so much to love about Copenhagen and a trip here makes you appreciate the city for all that it is. Hygge is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality and that to me is the exact way to decribe this perfect city.
Where to stay:
Hotel Astoria Copenhagen Hotel Astoria was built in 1934 as the first luxury hotel in Copenhagen. The building was designed as a station hotel for the Danish State Railways and is conveniently right next to Copenhagens central station making getting from the airport to the city seamless! Hotel Astoria celebrates the fall and culture of Copenhagen in all the best ways! Copenhagen is popularly known for Tivoli which is right across the street from Hotel Astoria. Tivoli is a 19th-century amusement park with an antique roller coaster, rides, gardens and restaurants. During the holiday season Tivoli celebrates in full force! Tivoli is covered with fall decor and pumpkins galore. Christmas time here is my absolute favorite and it’s known to be one of the best Christmas Markets in the entire world!
Hotel Astoria also was one of the most amazing hotel breakfasts with all organic ingredients, numerous healthy spreads, fresh juices from every fruit, and brewed coffee with the option of oat milk. I made sure to go down for breakfast every morning here because it was so tasty. If Copenhagen, Denmark isn’t on your bucket list, add it now. When you decide to come here book your stay with the best. Book here
Where to Dine:
The food in Copenhagen is to die for. Copenhagen focusses on locality, seasonality, and sustainability of the food in most restaurants. The geographic location, also offers some of the best seafood in the world, which is why I am such a fan. Copenhagen's recipe for success has been built on the concept of local produce since 2004, when the New Nordic Food manifesto was drawn up by chef Claus Meyer and was signed by chefs all across the Nordic region. Everything from the hotel breakfast to the iconic restaurants we ate at was truly amazing. Knowing that Copenhagen prides itself on blends of cuisines from all around the world I decided to take us on a culinary tour. We ate at a Pakistan restaurant, Israeli restaurant, Tuscan restaurant and more!
DINING ROOM/COFFEE ROOM :Address: Silkegade 1 1113 København
Dining Room is my favorite restaurant in the world. I know that sounds bold but this italian organic cuisine has some of the freshest and tastiest meals I’ve ever eaten! I came here last December and was so excited to see the same chef working behind the counter. What I love about so many European restaraunts is that you can watch the chefs prepare your meals right in front of you like a show. Both times I came here I got a pasta dish. The menu changes seasonally like most places in Copenhagen so unfortunately I couldn’t get the same thing as last time but the Pesto ravioli this time around was just as amazing. I just couldn’t believe how much flavor and freshness could be packed into one meal! (Pictured below) Also the vibes here are so cozy and inviting. During the day it’s also a Coffee Room, but I highly recommend dining here, you won’t regret it.
Delambo Address: Grønnegade 27, st. th, 1107 København K, Denmark
Tramonto encompasses hygge vibes and memorable Tuscan cuisine with seasonal menus and delightful wine pairings. This was a 5 star dining experience with great dishes and beautiful city views from the rooftop. I highly recommend coming here, make sure to make a reservation as they book up!
Zahida CPH Address: Rømersgade 20, st, 1362 København, Denmark
Zahida CPH is known to be the best Pakistani food in CPH. We went on a Tuesday night and it was packed! I definitely would recommend getting a reservation here. The servers were so kind and helpful with the menu. We did a 4 course tasting menu and I chose the vegan menu. My friend got the regular menu and said that it was the best chicken she has ever tasted. I for one will be dreaming of the Chana Masala til further notice.
What To DO:
Tivoli Gardens
Emrace your childlike self at. Tivoli Gardens! The 19th century amusement park that inspired Walt Disney. Yes I mean the park that actually inspired Disney World. During the holiday seasons Tivoli celebrates with full force. Copenhagen is known for it’s Christmas scene and this is the biggest and best Christmas market I have ever been to is here at Tivoli Gardens. I highly recommend coming during Christmas time and celebrating at Tivoli to get you fully in the holiday spirit. The Christmas Market runs November 17–December 31, 2023.
Nyhavn
This historic street is lined with brightly colored 17th and 18th century houses, restaurants and bars.
Visit the castles:
Copenhagen also has a monarchy system and the Queen actually could be spotted in the city as the royal family lives in one of the many castles in the city. Queen Margrethe II has been Denmark's reigning monarch since 1972. She resides in Amalienborg's palace in the winter, which is a castle that you can visit!
Additional castles to visit are Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and one of the most well preserved Renaissance castles. As well as Christiansborg Palace, here you can see the gorgeous white horses outside and inside the fashion from the royals of Denmark.
Little Mermaid Statue
Address: Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen originated in Copenhagen. Book a Canal tour to see the statue and boat through CPH!
Where to SHOP
As a country with sustainability on the forefront shopping vintage and secondhand is extremely popular.
Quirky Lane Vintage- Pink painted walls and the cutest second hand finds with a unique flair. I know the buyer of this store and I would be besties!
Studio travel - Italian vintage specifically, with plenty of famous labels like Moschino, Prada, and Versace. (Also seen in Florence)
Magnolias- Gorgeous designer pieces and trendy pre-loved clothes in the center of Copenhagens shopping street.
Tivoli Gardens- Tivoli isn’t just an amusement park, they also hold some of my favorite shops in all of Copenhagen especially if you’re looking for Christmas gifts and ornaments.
What to Wear: Make sure to layer in Copenhagen as it get’s very cold in the winter months! Even though cold weather places typically are full of people wearing black and minimal color I swear so many people in Copenhagen were wearing color, including me of course! SO if you’re looking to break out a pink puffer jacket here is the perfect place to do so!
There’s so much to do and see in Copenhagen and although I know it’s not everyone’s first European travel destination I hope this blog post inspires you to make the trip and visit some of these amazing places on your journey! As always please reach out to me with any and all travel questions and thanks so much for reading!
xx,
Jules